"-The D.A.-"

By Thornton House

Becky Simone is a beautiful intelligent woman who likes to be in control. When her heart is broken for the first time, Becky is devastated and decides it’s time for a change. She returns to school to obtain a law degree and becomes a prosecutor for the District Attorney of Phoenix. She gains everyone’s respect after convicting a brutal gang leader of murder. When rumors surface that there is a contract out on Becky’s life, her boss sends her to Wichita, Kansas to get her out of town. Becky then decides to drive back to Phoenix and the plan is going fine until her rental car suddenly dies in the midst of an unexpected blizzard. She is sitting alone on a dark road close to freezing to death until a stranger arrives on a horse and carries her to safety.
The next morning Becky is on her way back to Phoenix with a man she barely knows. They are completely unaware of the SUV following discreetly behind them. The next couple of days will be a nightmare for Becky as she escapes one plot on her life to another.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365539190

Book preview

"-The D.A.-"

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2 The D.A. http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2

Thornton House

Copyright © 2016 Thornton House.

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ISBN: 978-1-365-48511-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-365-53919-0 (e)

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Also by Thornton House

STONEHEART

SONJA

http://pages.suddenlink.net/sonja2011/

I dedicate The D.A. to the hardy folks who live and work on the Western Plains of Kansas, where a forty-mile an hour wind is nothing but a gentle breeze and where sunsets take your breath away by displaying brilliant colors painted on clear blue skies. There is truly something Godly watching the tip of the evening sun sinking into a horizon where it is only obscured by barbed wire fences and a few windmills.

Most of all, The D.A. is dedicated to my wife Barbara who inspires me and gives me the love some people search for all their lives. Without her help as editor, critic and confidante, my stories would simply go untold. She is the balance in my life which allows me to go crazy with these wild romantic stories that spring from my mind at night. Stories that simply state there is someone special out there for everyone and some of us are just lucky!

Special thanks to my good friend, Dennis Keister, for tirelessly proofing The D.A. He has been a big supporter of my two previous books and was a big help in the finalization of the D.A. Dennis and Barbara certainly added a touch of class to my book.

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2 Preface http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2

Becky Simone walked out of the hospital room feeling something she had never felt before . . . a broken heart. As the door closed, her heart began to ache and her gut wrenched as if someone had punched her in the stomach. It took all of her willpower to restrain the tears so ready to flow. She felt the eyes of the entire lobby staring at her and wished she had picked a different dress than the form fitting dress she was wearing. Her stomach continued churning uncontrollably as her emotions ran totally amuck. For the first time in her life, Becky wanted to simply walk through a room unnoticed.

Nonetheless, the eyes of every man in the lobby were drawn to the five foot seven beauty with raven black hair as she quietly strolled through the lobby toward the elevator. Her hair seemed to bounce above her shoulders and the bangs emphasized her amazing emerald eyes. She felt all the eyes on her as she nervously pulled the phone from her purse and dialed the number. Carina, this is Becky. Carina, I don’t have many girlfriends . . . but I need one tonight. I plan to get very drunk and need someone to keep me from waking up in a the wrong place, she moaned entering the elevator.

You found out about Wolf and the doctor, didn’t you? the voice replied tensely from the other end of the phone.

You knew! Why didn’t you tell me? Becky screamed angrily.

Where are you, Simone? I just got off duty and I’m walking to my car.

I’m at Memorial Hospital.

I’ll be there in ten minutes. Meet me at the front entrance.

Hey, I can drive. I’ll meet you at any bar you want, Becky growled.

You meet me in front, Simone, or I’ll run your tags and have your butt thrown in the clink for the night, Carina warned.

What a bitch! Becky growled again.

That’s what girlfriends are for, Carina replied hanging up.

Becky walked out the front entrance of the main lobby and saw a secluded metal bench located near a large tree. She quickly plopped on the bench and what she did next was something she had never done before. She cried over a man. The anguish ripped through her body like molten lava feeling all the anguish saturate her body when the GT Mustang roared around the corner with squealing tires. Becky stumbled toward the curb as the sports car shrieked to a halt.

The passenger side window rolled down and Becky leaned down to see if it actually was her friend. Then anger took over, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about Wolf and Dr. Stone, she roared but half moaning.

Becky, get in before one of my fellow officers arrests me for picking up a hooker, Carina grumbled from the other side.

Becky opened the door and plopped down in the low slung seat slamming the door behind her. They sat there for a minute before Carina mumbled something in Spanish and then looked deeply into Becky’s eyes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Wolf, she groaned before giving a big sigh. I was on duty the night he was shot. Because of the way he was, none of us thought he would make it through the night; especially, the way Dr. Stone looked at us. She’s a surgeon and the distress on her face was obvious . . . he was in a bad way. The sergeant told me they lost him on the operating table. I was waiting to see if he pulled through. If he died, I planned on keeping my mouth shut because I knew you loved the guy.

Becky looked over at the beautiful Hispanic woman next to her and immediately recognized the compassion in her friend’s face. I didn’t just love him; I was crazy about him, she cried.

Carina reached over and put her hand on her friend’s shoulder. I know . . . but I saw how they looked at each other that night. Wolf was making jokes saying he took the bullet to save his girl. The doctor was holding him tightly in her arms telling him to shut up and save his energy. Becky, there was no doubt how he felt about her.

Carina suddenly looked away from Becky and out the driver’s side window. I didn’t want to be the one to tell you. Being a cop, I don’t have many girlfriends either!

The car went silent as both women tried to figure out what to say next. Finally, Carina punched Becky in the arm. Well, was he any good in bed?

Becky looked at her in horror and broke down in tears again whimpering, I don’t know. I never got that far with him.

Carina stared at her for a moment and then started laughing, You’re crying your eyes out over a man you never even slept with! This is the woman I’ve come to admire . . . for being able to control men? Carina cackled.

Becky’s tears momentarily stopped as she glared at Carina. Then, she shook her head disgustingly. I don’t understand it. I’ve never had a problem like this before but then I’ve never gone gaga over a man before. I usually have problems keeping men out of my bed—not the other way around.

A smile raced across Carina’s face as if a light had come on, You’ve never been dumped before tonight, have you?

No! Becky cried. "And I don’t like it. I realize now that Wolf looked at me like we were merely friends but I wanted it to be more. I loved him, I admired him, and I—wanted him."

Honey, I get rejected all the time. So, maybe this is a good thing. Maybe you’ll learn to appreciate the next good man who shows up, Carina scolded.

Convincing me you get rejected all the time is ridicules. It is almost as much baloney as you telling me this nightmare is good for me. You’re just saying that to make me feel better.

Oh, I get asked out a lot, but as soon as they find out I’m a cop, they head for the nearest exit, Carina grumbled.

I can understand that. You intimidate me, too, Becky grumbled letting the first smile escape since climbing into the car.

Because I carry a gun and can beat the shit out of ninety percent of the men in this town? Carina said putting the Mustang in gear.

No, because you are a truly beautiful sexy woman and every time we go out together half the men are looking at me and the other-half . . . are looking at you. I’m not use to sharing attention with anybody, Becky snarled.

Carina’s face lit up and that wonderful smile of hers took over. Simone, I think that’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever received. She turned on the overhead dome light and handed Becky a tissue from her pocket. Here, wipe your eyes and face, girl. You look like Rocky Raccoon. Your eye shadow is all over your face.

Becky took it and looked in the mirror on the passenger’s sun visor cringing at the black stains of smeared mascara around her eyes which she quickly wiped away with the tissue.

I still can’t believe you didn’t get that cowboy in bed, Carina mumbled turning the Mustang onto the main drag.

"Don’t get me started again. Do you know what Dr. Bitch said to me as I left them in Wolf’s room tonight?" Becky shrieked.

No, what’d she say?

She put her hands on my shoulder and arrogantly stated, ‘Becky, get yourself a cowboy because they are really good in the saddle.’

She didn’t! Carina chuckled.

She did!

You want me to go back to the hospital and shoot the bitch in the head? Carina responded seriously.

You’d do that for me? Becky moaned somewhat surprised.

Carina grinned then winked at her, No, but it sounded good, didn’t it?

Becky frowned and then started laughing, Yeah, it did.

So after you get drunk and I babysit you tonight, what are you going to do to bring yourself out of this funk? Carina asked.

"I don’t know but something has to change in my life."

Maybe you should go back to school like you’ve been harping at me for the last three months.

Becky looked out the windshield and then back over at her friend, That’s not a bad idea. I’ve been thinking about studying law . . . maybe becoming an attorney. School might be just what I need to get my mind off what I lost tonight.

I like it, Carina said turning into the parking lot of a small bar. I’ll book-em and you put-em away.

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2 CHAPTER 1 http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2

Dark Clouds

The large bailiff entered the courtroom and walked quietly up to the beautiful auburn haired woman scanning through a stack of papers at the prosecutor’s table. Miss Simone, the jury has arrived at a verdict. They’ll be coming in shortly.

When Becky looked up, the first thing the bailiff saw was those brilliant green eyes. They seemed to penetrate into his very soul. God what a beautiful woman he thought. Like every other man in the courtroom he had been unable to take his eyes off her for the last two weeks. However, what had surprised him and everyone else in the court room was how good she was at her job.

She nodded politely before glancing at the empty jury box wondering if she had done her job well enough to get the jury to convict Caesar Garza for the two brutal murders he was on trial for. She hastily reviewed the case in her mind silently questioning if she had presented all the evidence properly and sufficiently enough to turn Garza’s attorneys’ arguments into the fabrications that they were. We know he’s responsible for ten other homicides. Unfortunately, this is the only crime we could actually prove he was involved in. Dear God, if I have ever wanted to do my job right, it’s now, she prayed silently.

Caesar Garza wasn’t just a drug dealer. He was the undisputed leader of the most brutal gang in Phoenix. The gang was known for caring out horrifying acts of violence. Opposing drug gang members had been beheaded, burned alive and left mutilated as an example to any opposition all done on the orders from Caesar who had no regard for human life. He tried to act like a sophisticated Mafia Godfather dressed in thousand dollar suits but the tattoos on his hands conveyed he was simply a vicious thug. There was no doubt looking at him that he had seen his share of battles. His left ear had signs of cauliflower and the part in his black curly hair was due to scar tissue. At five-eight and weighting in around two hundred pounds he intimidated those around him. The only person scarier in his organization was his cousin and right hand man—Benito Garza. Benito Garza could have passed as a Mexican movie star with his slim five foot eleven build and his handsome face. His straight dark hair was always trimmed and he looked good in jeans or a suit. Yet, his dark brown eyes could make the toughest of men shiver because of his reputation as the main enforcer of the gang. There were a lot of people who thought Caesar must have some powerful information on Benito to keep him in check.

Unlike Caesar who was arrogant and impulsive, Benito was ultra-calm and calculating which left the authorities extremely frustrated in not been able to connect him to any crimes. He was just too cautious. On the other hand, it had been Caesar’s impulsiveness that had caused him to make a stupid mistake linking him to the two men he had brutally murdered that he was on trial for. His heinous act not only left his DNA behind but a couple of witnesses. Becky hoped the same arrogance he had shown during the trial would put him away forever.

The trial had lasted two weeks; but, Becky had prepared for it for over a year. She had been honored when her boss (James Spanding the District Attorney) had picked her to try the case. Everyone expected Greg Johnson to get the case . . . including her. Greg reported directly to James and had more experience in high profile criminal cases than anyone in the office.

After the announcement, Greg had been cordial telling her she had earned this opportunity. Nonetheless, Becky was smart enough not to get cocky. She could see Greg was disappointed. He had to be because if the situation had been reversed, she would have been.

She had met Greg right after joining the District Attorney’s office two years ago. He was beautiful if you could call a man beautiful. He was 6’ 2", with curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and a muscular physique that caught every woman’s eye. Greg literally had women hanging on him everywhere he went. Becky agreed he was good looking but her first impression of him . . . was that he was a bit shallow. It wasn’t until she finally got to know him that she had gradually changed her mind about him. They hadn’t gotten together until after James gave her the Garza case. After that, they seemed to be bumping into each other every day.

Greg offered to assist her with the case. Becky soon learned they disagreed on how to present the evidence. Then six months ago, he told her how much he respected her. He told her he could see she was a strong woman and he definitely wanted to get to know her better. They had dated for a couple of months before they started having sex. Their lovemaking was an experience in itself because Greg was very well endowed. Becky thought, here is a man the women of Phoenix were throwing themselves at and he wants to be with me. She began thinking he was the consolation prize for losing the one that got away. Consequently, Greg convinced her to move in with him shortly afterwards.

She had to admit he was attentive to her. Not a day went by that Greg didn’t tell her how much he loved her. So, maybe he was the one she had been looking for. However, she found out quickly they could share everything but the facts of the case or how to present the evidence. The case brought out some serious conflicts in their relationship and she, for one, would be glad when the case was over.

A week into the trial, Mr. Spanding ordered round the clock security for Becky. Garza had made it evident he didn’t like the way things were going. He had been overheard stating that he hated that redheaded bitch. He thought she’s was too God damned smart for her own good and twisted everything around with her smiles to the jury. Garza felt the rope tightening around his neck every time she opened her mouth.

She had made three of his men look like fools on the witness stand by batting her eyes at them and twisting their statements into confessions. After doing so, she would turn to the jury which included eight men and smile. The way they smiled back Caesar knew he was in big trouble. Rumors began surfacing that Becky was on some kind of hit list and that scared the heck out of her. Regardless, she remained determined to put this animal away.

Greg told her not to worry because he was there to protect her. Becky still took the threats seriously and started carrying a thirty-eight-caliber pistol in her purse. The pistol suddenly made her think about Wolf Harrison and she hadn’t thought about him in months. Yeah, Wolf would be smirking about the pistol in her purse because he was the first person to put a gun in her hands. He had shown her how to hold a weapon and how to fire one. Now, why in the world would I think about him at a time like this, Becky chuckled inwardly. Of course, Wolf would be casting a serious eye at her red hair if he saw her now.

Tony, her junior partner, suddenly nudged her and brought her out of her daze. Jury is coming in, he stated quietly.

"It’s about time because I’m not a patient woman," Becky grunted. Tony grinned hearing Becky’s favorite line. They watched as the sheriff escorted Caesar to his seat. Caesar gave her an obvious nasty look as he walked by her table but Becky didn’t flinch.

The courtroom quickly filled to capacity with press, spectators, relatives of the victims and Benito Garza. A buzz circulated around the room until the judge demanded silence.

Once the panel was seated, the judge asked the jury foreman, Have you reached a verdict?

The jury foreman stood and responded, We have Your Honor.

The judge instructed Caesar to stand and face the jury. Caesar stood glancing over at Becky and then back to the jury.

The jury foreman solemnly read, We find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree on both counts.

At first, Caesar remained stoic showing no emotion. Suddenly, he erupted like a volcano and began screaming threats at the jury. Abruptly, he jerked his head looking right at Becky yelling, "I’ll get you, you bitch, if it’s the last thing I do. This is my town and Lady, you’re dead. You picked the wrong trial to prosecute." He shoved his attorney aside and lunged at the prosecutor’s table. His brown eyes were wild with rage. For the first time since the trial began, Caesar had shown his true nature.

The court’s officers grabbed him a foot from Becky and restrained him by shoving him violently to the floor. Becky was shaken but she never showed any emotions. She hadn’t cried in public when Wolf told her he was in love with someone else and she’d be damned if she would cry now. Even though this bastard had nearly scared the life out of her, she calmly looked him right in the eyes as they picked him up and dragged him out of the courtroom.

"Holy crap, Becky! Are you telling me Garza’s outburst didn’t scare you? Tony groaned breathlessly, I thought I was going to mess in my pants, Christ!"

Sure it did, Becky responded calmingly. But, I wasn’t going to let him know he had gotten to me, she added softly.

You are one cool lady, Tony chuckled placing his hand on her shoulder noticeably impressed. No wonder they picked you for the case. Let me be the first to congratulate you. You did a great job putting that monster away, Tony remarked shaking her hand. She turned around and she was suddenly in Greg’s arms.

Great job, Honey, congratulations on the win, he said smothering her with kisses.

Becky, you did just what I expected you to do. You used that quick mind and wit of yours to expose Garza as the cold-blooded-killer he is, James Spanding said pulling her out of Greg’s arms and hugging her like she was his own daughter. Greg, if I were you, I’d marry this bright young woman. And soon, before you end up working for her. She is everything I expected and more! Becky, behind that beautiful face is a very bright but dangerous woman. I, for one, would never want to argue a case against you, James stated giving her a big smile.

Becky felt like she had won an Emmy after James said that. She felt Greg’s arms around her again, Don’t worry, Boss, I’m making sure this lady is preoccupied with me rather than my job.

She smiled at that and felt safe in his arms. She knew he would protect her and better yet he could. She looked into his warm blue eyes and felt that six two frame holding her tightly. She sighed happy that the trial was over.

Let’s get out of here and go home, she replied anxiously. I need to be held and I need to hear how much you love me.

The four attorneys walked out of the courtroom together laughing and joking. Not one of them noticed the men following them out of the courthouse.

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2 CHAPTER 2 http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608034465800458093&w=207&h=207&c=8&pid=3.1&qlt=90&rm=2

The Storm

Do you think Caesar was serious about his threats? Becky asked nervously as Greg drove her home.

No, that was a bullshit performance to prove to everyone how tough he is. Guys like that are always tossing out threats. I had one of his associates on trial three years back and he made the same threats to me, Greg grumbled placing his hand on her leg to comfort her.

Did you get a conviction? Becky asked uneasily.

No, some stupid cop screwed up and the case was thrown out of court the first week. I had that creep by the nuts and he knew it. That should prove to you that you have nothing to worry about. If he had been serious, he had plenty of opportunities to come after me, Greg grunted sliding his hand up her thigh and squeezing it. Now, you sexy-green-eyed D.A., I plan to make you howl at the moon. I’ve never screwed a successful trial lawyer before, he laughed.

They made love that night if you could call it that. Greg was in the mood for rough sex; and, Becky never enjoyed it when he got like that. After some of these lovemaking escapades, she wondered if having a boyfriend so well-endowed was actually a blessing. But, she did enjoy watching him shower. Greg had a beautiful body and kept it that way by working out four days a week. The girls at the office told Becky they were the most beautiful couple in Phoenix.

Around seven, James called telling her he had doubled the security around their house. Becky, pack a suitcase for a business trip. I’m sending you out of town tomorrow.

Do I pack my bikini? I’m assuming you’re sending me on a weeklong stay at some nice resort for winning the case, Becky blurted out.

Leave the bikini and bring you mittens, James fired back.

I love skiing, too. Boss, what a wonderful idea for a reward, Becky quipped.

Yeah, the taxpayers would love that. Seriously, Becky, be packed and ready to leave tomorrow when you get here. I’ve made the arrangements and I’ll fill you and Greg in when you get to the office tomorrow morning. I’m not taking any chances telling you where you are going over the phone. All I can say is, I want you out of town for a couple of days. And do me a favor . . . pack that thirty-eight you’ve been carrying around in your purse illegally, James growled in a tone that scared Becky.

Where’s he sending you? Greg asked.

I don’t know, she moaned. I guess we’ll have to wait until we get to the office.

Well, I’m not crazy about him sending you off without me to protect you, Greg growled pulling Becky close.

***

They arrived at the office early the next morning. James immediately sat them down in his office along with his personal assistant and Tony Kennedy (Becky’s associate prosecutor in the case). As usual, James didn’t mince words, Becky, an informant has confirmed that there is a contract out on your life and I am worried.

Boss, you know those rumors are idle threats. Plus, I’d feel better knowing Becky was close by so I can protect her, Greg tossed out angrily.

"Bullshit, Greg, these are not idle threats and I’m not taking a chance on losing one of my people simply because we thought Garza was talking trash. So, Becky, you’re going out of town for a couple of days, James stated adamantly. I doubt anybody would ever guess where I am sending you . . . especially Garza’s people, James smirked. You’re going to Wichita to work an extradition case for a man they are holding for us. It is a cut and dry case but it gets you out of town for a couple of days and gives us time to check out the rumors while we lock Caesar away for good. The judge set sentencing for tomorrow and I’ll handle that phase personally."

Wichita? Where the hell is Wichita? Becky bellowed giving James a bewildered look.

Kansas and it’s far enough away to drive Caesar’s people nuts looking for you. By the way, here’s the ID you are to use, James said handing her a new Arizona driver’s license.

Becky looked at it and began laughing while frowning at James, Real cute, Boss, she groaned callously.

What’s the name? Tony asked.

"Dorothy Smith! Okay, Boss, if I’m going to Oz . . . do I pick up Toto